The
following is the third part of a 3 part article spanning 4 issues of
The Accurate Rifle.
Part I : January 2000 Volume 3 Number 12
Part II: February 2001 Volume 4 Number 1
Part III Section 1: April 2001 Volume 4 Number 3
Part III Section 2: May 2001 Volume 4 Number 4

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on any photograph to view an enlarged version. Use your back button
to return to the article.

Part III : Weapons
and Equipment

Understand that equipment,
when compared to the people who use it, is at the low end of the equation.
The gear, especially the newer communications and surveillance equipment
is high tech and very capable. But it still requires hard men to bring
it within range of other hard men who would love to do nothing more
than kill them.

Well-trained and motivated
people will do better with mediocre equipment then mediocre people will
do with the best gear in the world.

Keep this in mind when you
read these pages.

The multiple missions tasked
to Force require a wide variety of weapons and equipment. Many of the
items in this article are mission specific, and a few are common to
all missions, but in almost all scenarios, they are carried on the bodies
of the members of the reconnaissance platoon. Weight is a major factor,
and the Force adage is "If you can’t swim it, jump it, hump it
or shoot it, you don’t need it". The increased stand off distance
of the optical and communications equipment helps to ensure success
in the deep battle.

Rifle 5.56x45mm, M16A2 (NSN
1005-01-128-9936)

The M16A2 rifle is the standard
weapon for most of those assigned to the Company. Approximately 39 5/8"
long, and weighing almost 9 pounds, the A2 is the standard rifle
for those in the Marine Corps whose duties do not require them to be
armed with a pistol.

The M16A2 came into the Marine
Corps system in 1982 (though the big army fought tooth and nail against
it, they eventually did adopt the A2 in 19861). Several
modifications were made to transform the Al into the A2, including modifying
the flash suppressor into a "compensator"; providing a square
front sight post; modifying the delta ring; modifying the upper receiver
to include strengthening in the area of the front attachment point and
including a brass deflector; lengthening the buttstock by 5/8";
adding an easily adjustable rear sight, changing the handguard configuration
from triangular to round; making the plastic furniture out of a more
durable material; increasing the diameter of the barrel forward of the
handguard, and adding a shelf on the pistol grip. The barrel twist was
changed from 1/12 to 1/9 to reflect the adoption of the M885 ammunition.2

The A2 was designed primarily
with Marine Corps input, specifically from Weapons Training Bn. Many
of the improvements appear to more directly benefit the shooting teams
rather than the grunts. Chief among these is a rear sight adjustable
for windage and elevation, something more applicable to a rifle range
than to usefulness in combat. Likewise the added weight at the muzzle
end of the barrel. While it does make the rifle hang better, the only
people who use the offhand position in combat are (soon to be) casualties.

And finally lengthening the
stock to make it fit better in offhand is something else that benefits
primarily the team shooters. Their 90-degree to the target offhand position
makes sense of the longer butt stock. The proper fighting stance is
better served with a shorter length of pull—perhaps around 12"
or so.

The 3 shot burst was a compromise.
HQMC did not want any automatic fire capability—Weapons Training Bn
wisely did. The 3 shot burst is the result. While many will question
the value of hand held full auto fire, it has its place in combat. The
key of course is proper training, and not a mechanical device.

In 1982 we had an opportunity
to give the grunt a more functional and easier to use weapon but instead
settled for something less.

There are 168 M16A2 rifles
in the Company.

Carbine, 5.56x45mm M4A1 (NSN
1005-01-383-0953)

The M4A1 Carbine Close Quarter
Battle Weapon (CQBW) is the standard weapon for those in the reconnaissance
platoons. The current Marine Corps wisdom is that the M4A1 Carbine is
to supplement, rather than replace the M16A2 (just as the MP5N sub-caliber
machine gun did) in the Force Reconnaissance Companies. This may soon
change as the Marine Corps is considering replacing all M16A2’s in the
Marine Corps with the M4IM4A1 Carbine or the M16A4. The impetus for
this move is the growing trend of MOUT (Military Operations in Urban
Terrain) worldwide.

The
M4 program originated as an initiative by the government of Abu Dhabi
in the mid 80’s. The OIC of (then) Firepower Branch, (then) Maj. Jack
Muth, brought several examples back to Quantico and tested them extensively.

A recommendation was made
that the M4 replace all of the pistols in the Infantry Bn. (much like
the U.S. Carbine, Cal .30, Ml/M2 was supposed to do during WW2) as well
as being used by reconnaissance community, ANGLICO and others.

Congressional interference
killed that proposal, and it languished until 1994 when USSOCOM picked
up the fumbled ball.

The M4A1 Carbine is selective
fire (that is, full auto - only the M4 Carbine has the 3 shot burst),
has a 4 position collapsible stock, is 33" long with the stock
extended, 29" long with the stock retracted, and weighs 7.5 pounds.
The barrel is 14.5" long. (All but a very few of the M4 carbines
have a flat top receiver. All M4A1 ‘s have a flat top).3

The collapsible stock provides
a degree of ergonomics not possible with the M16A2. As stated above,
the 13 5/8" length of pull (LOP) on the A2 is too long for
most people to acquire a good fighting stance. Add to that body armor,
load bearing vests, or cold weather clothing, and the weapon is way
far out in front of the shooter.

Many operators run with the
Carbine stock back to the first position or completely closed. It provides
for a more comfortable and efficient position.

The
Company Carbines are equipped with the Special Operations Peculiar Modification
(SOPMOD) Kit. This is slightly different from that issued to USSOCOM
in content. The Company has three modifications to their Carbines that
the USSOCOM kits do not.

All of the M4A1 Carbines
in the Company have the Norgon ambidextrous magazine catch; the DPMS
ambidextrous selector switch and the Badger Ordnance extended charging
handle latch.4

The Carbine has a Knight’s
Armament Corporation (KAC) Rail Adopter System (RAS-P/N 98064) mounted.
The RAS is a set of lightweight specially modified handguards that replace
the standard M4 handguards. The RAS provides a secure mounting point
for various mission related equipment by means of a series of MilStdl9l3
grooves. Each groove is marked with an address to assist in returning
a particular item to the same location.

A vertical foregrip (also
a KAC item- P/N 97098A) attaches to the RAS. It provides for more control
during CQB engagements. It provides more control if it is attached to
the center or rear of the RAS.

The
muzzle compensator is a KAC replacement, so that the Quick Detachable
(QD) Sound Suppressor can be mounted. The KAC QD Suppressor is 6.6"
long and weighs 24 ounces. It reduces the noise of the fired round by
a minimum of 28 decibels using ball ammunition. Sub sonic ammunition
is also in the system and is more efficient in masking the noise of
the shot, but will not cycle the action.

The Marine Corps does not
issue a back up iron sight with their SOPMOD kit (though USSOCOM does).
Instead, they rely on the issue removable carry handle. This is flawed
thinking. If an optic goes down, the need to maintain continuity of
fire still exists. To physically remove the optic, fish through your
deuce gear to locate the carry handle, then attach this to the receiver—and
do it while attempting to break contact and such, is patently absurd.

The Company therefore has
the Knight’s Back Up hon Sight (BIS) on each carbine. Two types of sights
are utilized. One is the fixed 300 yard sight (P/N 97082. The second
is adjustable for elevation out to 600 yards (PIN 98474).

The
Quick Attach/Detach M203 Grenade Launcher, M203 is a single shot, breech
loading pump action grenade launcher that fires a family of 40mm low
pressure grenades. These include High Explosive Dual Purpose, Multi-Projectile
(similar to buckshot— I am underwhelmed with this round), Visible and
IR Illumination, Smoke, CS and Practice (blue meanies).

The QDM2O3 mounts to the
M4A1 Carbine by means of a special bracket. The notch in the forward
part of the barrel is there specifically to accept the mounting bracket
(not to make it a better bayonet fighting instrument).

This 40mm grenade launcher
weighs 3 pounds and has a 9" barrel (vice the 15.5"barrel
of a standard M203) to make it less bulky. Range and accuracy are not
affected. It also has a modified leaf sight.

The QDM2O3 is a useful addition
to the team. It can be used to mark targets, mask movement or discourage
pursuit.

Usually the Team Leader and
Assistant Team Leader will have the 203QD mounted.

There are several types of
optical sights available. Company SOP is to have an optical sight on
all long guns.

The Aimpoint® CompM XD
is not part of the Marine Corps SOPMOD Kit but was purchased to provide
a more viable optic for all seasons.

The Aimpoint® (The M68
is the military version of the CompM XD) is a battery operated, parallax
free, red dot sight. The reticle is 3 MOA, and is adjustable for intensity
by means of a rheostat switch. Eye relief is unlimited, and it is waterproof
to 66’.

The Aimpoint® is mounted
to the upper receiver by means of a KAC mount. Two types are used, an
offset (PIN 98512) and a straight type called a COMP (PIN 98073). The
BIS is mounted on the upper receiver at the rear of the receiver. In
the event the Aimpoint® sight goes Tango Uniform, at close range
the operator can use the rear of the optic as a large ghost ring and
focus on the front sight through the tube. If he has time, he can elevate
the BIS and drive on.

Battery life is dependent
on the intensity setting, but the Lithium 2L76 will run it from 250
to 1000 hours.

This
is an extremely
effective sight for CQB and patrolling, especially
in low light.

Aimpoint® has an improved
version of the Comp (called, appropriately enough, the CompM2) ready
for release this spring. It is a sufficiently more rugged optic with
greatly improved electronics. It draws less power when turned on to
the lowest power setting than if the batteries are left on the shelf.

The
Reflex Sight is a lightweight, non-magnifying day optical sight designed
for close combat. It requires no batteries and is waterproof to 66’.

The Company has experienced
some difficulties with this sight fogging in a cold/wet environment,
and with acquiring the amber reticle in bright light.

The Trijicon ACOG Day Optical
Sight (DOS) is a 4X telescope designed to provide enhanced identification
and hit probability. It is rugged, and waterproof to 66’. It has a tritium
reticle for low light use. The ACOG has an eye relief of approximately
1.5".

This is an excellent patrolling
scope, but the 4X magnification makes it extremely difficult to use
at CQB distances. It is equipped with a set of emergency iron sights
on top of the tube. This requires moving your head off of the stock
and trying to get a sight picture, not an easy thing to do.

This is a solid telescope,
and in a pinch could probably be used as a hammer.

The AN/PVS-17 Mini Night
Vision Sight (MNVS) is the primary night optic. It is an advanced Electro-Optical
assembly that utilizes an Omni5 GEN 3 image tube. It weighs 2 pounds
and is powered by a single "AA" battery, which will keep it
running for 36 hours.

The MNVS has a 2.25X magnification
(that can be boosted to 4.5X with an extender), and uses a 2
MOA red Dot reticle. Windage and elevation adjustments are 1/2 MOA.

The PVS-17 is waterproof
to 66’.

The AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Target
Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser has a straight beam of IR energy for
aiming, and an adjustable focus IR beam for illuminating. Both sources
can be used at the same time. It is powered by 2 "AA" batteries
that give it continuous power for 10 hours. The PEQ-2 weighs 7.5
ounces, is 6.4" long, 2.8" wide, and 1.2" high. It
is waterproof to 66’.

The illuminator is good to
600 meters. The pointer on high power has a range of 5000 meters, and
1000 meters on low power.

It is mounted on the RAS
by means of a rail grabber, and while it may be mounted anyplace the
preferred mounting is at 12 o’ clock.

The AN/PAC-4C is an IR aiming
light, and while it is part of the kit, it has been replaced by the
more capable PEQ-2.

The AN/PEQ-5 is a visible
laser. It is difficult to imagine what this particular item is actually
for (I am unconvinced of the tactical viability of a visible laser)
and consequently is never used.

The Visible Light Illuminator
(VLI) is a white light attached to the RAS by means of a rail grabber.
It is powered by 3 DL123 lithium or 6 "AA" batteries, which
will give an advertised run time of 50 minutes (though the "AA’s"
are not as bright). Though it is waterproof to 66’, the first two versions
experienced problems with switch corrosion. A third modification is
now issued.

There are several combat
slings used by the Company. Prior to the issuance of the SOPMOD Kit,
slings were purchased from a commercial vendor. This particulaf group
of slings deteriorated rapidly. When they failed, Wilderness Tactical
Products supplied an emergency run of Giles Slings (over a Holiday weekend
no less).

The sling now issued with
the SOP-MOD kit appears to be a direct copy of the Giles Sling, with
the exception of an added quick release.

The combat slings are the
3-point type, and provide a comfortable, safe and efficient method of
carrying the Carbine and for transitioning to the secondary weapon.
The SOPMOD Special Text (ST-23-3l-l) allows that the sling be worn over
the weak side arm for CQB and the strong side arm for patrolling (If
you use the issue sling, make sure you rigger tape the stock attachment
loop!). Running it on your weak side is the better way to go (this is
the opposite of the MPSN SOP, but it makes transitioning to your blaster
much easier).

An Otis cleaning kit is issued.
It has a flexible cleaning rod and is convenient to carry, but a standard
rod still needs to be carried to remove bore obstructions.

The CQBW is carried in a
Soft Transport Case made by Eagle Industries. It can carry the carbine
with the QD M203 attached and a magazine inserted.

There is a large pocket into
which additional mission related equipment can be carried. The Soft
Transport case provides protection for the Carbine and related equipment
during movement.

While the SOPMOD Kit has
a number of components, few are on the carbine at any given time (this
is directly opposite the hero pictures in some of the gun rags, where
everything is mounted). The Company has a system of configuration
for their carbines.

The M4A1 has several distinct
advantages over the sub caliber MP5N. It offers a self defense capability
out to the maximum practical effective range of the gun—250 meters or
so. It can defeat most body armor, whereas the "5"guns
couldn’t defeat any body armor. It is safer to use inside a crisis site,
as the 5.56x45mmprojectile is less likely to perforate
a human body than the 9xl9mm is, and is less likely to penetrate common
building material.

The Carbine is much more
ergonomic than the "5"gun, and can accept a
multitude of mission essential equipment.

In
reality, the M4A1 has completely replaced the M16A2 in the Force community
with two exceptions; parades, and rifle re-qualification (though 1stForce Marines did use the M4A1 with excellent results, those running
the re-qual program had conniptions, and quickly shut that down.)

The result of this duplicity
is that the armory is overcrowded, and the individual Marine will have
three weapons assigned to him, one of which (the M16A2) is almost never
used.

Ammunition used is the M855Ball, the so-called "Green Tip". Frangible ammunition
is available for use inside the shoot house (manufacturers vary— they
are still trying to find the optimum round).

One additional accessory
is available for the M4A1 and the MEU (SOC) Pistol. This is the Special
Effects Small Arms Marking Systems (SESAMS) Kit, known to the outside
world as SimunitionsTM kits. These kits permit the use of
the operator’s weapons during force on force training.

Certain components of the
gun are removed and replaced with the Sims specific parts. Barrels are
painted blue for easy identification, and the kits cannot accept live
5.56x45rnmor .45caliber ammunition.

The marking cartridge ammunition
uses a modified 9mm case, and a plastic sabot containing colored detergent
(either red or blue). It is powered by 1/3 grain of powder, ignited
by a small pistol primer. It launches the 0.5- gram projectile out of
the muzzle at about 550 fps.5

While maximum range is 80
yards, the maximum practical range is about 15 yards.

There are 156 M4A1 Carbines
and 28 M2O3QD 40mm Grenade launchers in the Company.

Colt Commando 5.56x45mm

The Company has several Colt
Model 733 Commandos, commonly known as the CAR15. (Some in the inventory
are other than the Model 733. These particular weapons were acquired
from multiple sources, hence the lack of standardization). This carbine
has an 11 1/2" standard barrel, collapsible stock, and is select
fire—that is semi and full auto. It is 26" long with the stock
retracted, and 30" long extended. It weighs approximately 6 pounds.
Some have the RAS and can accept many of the SOPMOD Kit components.
Some also have the fixed carry handle.

As
with all other things in life, there is no free lunch. The CAR 15 offers
some real advantages in that it is significantly easier to maneuver
in confined spaces (such as in PSD), but the trade off is in diminished
terminal ballistic effectiveness (due to the shorter barrel it may not
be significantly better then 9xl9mm).6

Maximum practical effective
range is about 150 yards.7

The CAR15’s are used primarily
by the Company staff who, for some strange reason, don’t want to carrythe M9 service pistol. Imagine that?

There are 35 CAR1S’s
in the Company.

Pistol, Caliber .45MEU
(SOC) (NSN100S-O1-370-7353)

While the standard USMC pistol
is the M9, those in the operational platoons use the MEU (SOC) pistol.
Based on a modified M1911 pistol, the MEU (SOC) has been in the Marine
Corps since the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
{MEU (SOC)} stoodupin 1985.8

The proven single action
design in .45 caliber, and modified by the Precision Weapons
Shop (PWS) at Quantico, is an excellent secondary weapon for the Marines
in the Company.

The frame is stripped GI,
and after inspection the feed ramp is polished. The slide is Springfield
Armory or Caspian, the barrel Bar-Sto, and the internal parts all commercial.
A high visibility rear sight, (manufactured in house at PWS) and high
visibility front sight are added. The pistol has an ambidextrous thumb
safety, and a flat mainspring housing with a lanyard loop. The entire
pistol is de-horned and Pachmayer stocks fitted. There is none of the
checkering (so favored by artistes) on this pistol.

The Videcki trigger is adjusted
to a pull of 3.5-5 pounds.

The pistol is issued with
seven Wilson-Rogers magazines. A Sure Fire H1OR Light Module is mounted,
but PWS feels that as this is not a fitted item, it may be causing barrel
link breakage. The operators rightfully feel that they must have a light
on the pistol, so this housing will remain until a better solution is
in place.

During the course of a workup/
deployment, the operator will put a lot of rounds through his pistol.
It is not uncommon for the pistols to come back with 80,000+ rounds
fired. The pistol will be returned to the PWS at Quantico for a rebuild.
Generally, all parts save the frame (which is a U.S. Government frame
last manufactured in 1945) are discarded. The frame is inspected, and
if within specs, rebuilt again. There are some frames that may have
had as many as 500,000 rounds fired from them.

The OIC of the Precision
Weapons Shop, CWO5 Ken Davis, is convinced (as are many others) that
the 1911 is the only pistol that can stand up to this use.

We certainly have the right
gun for the right job.

If there is one thing wrong
with this pistol it is the fact that there are not enough of them. Realistically,
each operator should have two. One for training and another to go to
war (of course, the same could be said for all of their weapons).

A product improved MEU (SOC)
pistol is in the works. (The USSOCOM Mk23 ModO was briefly looked at.
However the large size of this gun and other issues render it less than
desirable as a secondary weapon). Though the basic pistol will remain
the same, a new barrel and hardened drop in parts will replace those
that must be hand fitted. This will permit maintenance to be performed
at the company level rather than being evacuated.

Forward slide serrations
and a memory bump grip safety will be added. The PWS is currently looking
at a new light for the pistol. All of the new guns will have a MilStdl9l3
rail welded to the dust cover. Several new lights and Laser Aiming Modules
(LAMS) are being evaluated at this time.

Originally, the Company used
leather holsters from PWL but leather and water are a lot like oil and
water. They now use Safariland Models 3004, 3005, or the newer 6004.
Each operator has two of these Kydex holsters, one for the MEU (SOC)
Pistol with the light, and one without. The pistol magazine pouches
are the Eagle DMP-FB.

The Gem-Tech lanyard replaced
the field expedient telephone cords previously used. This purpose built
pistol lanyard has one thing that others don’t—it has a break-away feature.

Shortly after they were issued,
the CH 46E carrying 5th Pit. crashed into the sea off Pt. Loma, CA.
The pistol carried by SSgt Mark Schmidt was dislodged from his holster,
and caught on something in the rapidly sinking helo. The breakaway feature
broke, and he was the last man to escape from the bird.

There are 60 MEU (SOC) pistols
in the Company. They are authorized 110. They should have 300.

Pistol,
Semiautomatic 9mm M9 (NSN 1005-01-118-2640)

The M9 is used by those not
currently assigned to the operational platoons and whose duties preclude
being armed with a rifle. Though some in the outside world speak well
of this pistol, it is apparent that they do not subject it to the same
use as the Marines do. Large in grip circumference and utilizing a double
action trigger system, it is a difficult pistol to shoot, and even more
so for those with small to average size hands. Coupled with the anemic
9xl9mm cartridge, poor service life and a horrible maintenance record,
few have any confidence in this pistol.

One additional pistol is
carried in the armory. This is the High Standard HD, a suppressed .22
caliber pistol whose origins were in the OSS of WW2.

A special purpose weapon,
its effective suppressor permits quiet shots at very close range. While
the effectiveness of the .22 Long Rifle round can be questioned, it
is a useful weapon within its design parameters.

There are 10 HD pistols in
the Company.

Shotguns

Shotguns
are used only for breaching. To that end, the Company utilizes Remington
870 and Mossberg 500 shotguns. Both types have a pistol grip (no butt
stock), 20" barrel, and an extended magazine. A Sure Fire forend
is attached. They are carried in a quiver on the operator’s back, or
attached with a bungee cord to the LBV.

The Remington 870 is preferred,
mainly for its durability. The Mossbergs, while possessing a more accessible
safety, are also equipped with a weak trigger group, and this has reportedly
caused it to be replaced Marine Corps wide twice.

The 20" barrel length
is an anachronism. A better barrel length for these guns would be in
the l2"-14" range. This would permit a smaller, handier, and
significantly more efficient package (at the cost of a smaller magazine
capacity).

The slide action shotguns
are soon to be replaced with the new Joint Service Combat Shotgun. This
is a Benelli M4 gas operated shotgun, and is being fielded now. It has
a collapsible stock, ghost ring sights, and a MilStdl9l3 rail on the
receiver to take optics.

The
M249 (para) is the standard Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) of the Marine
Corps. There is some dissatisfaction in the infantry units with the
249. Recent articles in professional publications cite doctrinal issues,
stating that the M249 is more like a light machine gun than a Squad
Automatic Weapon. They also take issue with weight, reliability, and
the fact that it is an open bolt weapon. (There is a problem with first
round feeding. In a bizarre twist, some cite the fact that it has no
provision for a bayonet (!), therefore rendering it less effective in
MOUT operations).

The SAW is 41" long,
and weighs 15.07pounds. It is fed from a 200 round disposable
magazine, though in a pinch 30 round M16s will work (although not reliably).
It has a cyclic rate of 750 RPM.

The Recon Team’s primary
weapon is remaining undiscovered. When they turn into trigger pullers,
the rules change, and not normally for the better. The SAW is a base
of fire weapon, and is used to suppress enemy fire and cover the movement
of friendly elements.

The Company also had some
issues with the SAW, but of a kind different from the Grunts. As issued,
the SAW cannot be jumped assembled. It had to be broken down and placed
in a weapons bag. In the event that a team made contact on landing,
the SAW would not be immediately available.

Another issue was the lack
of optical sights, a force multiplier.

Consequently,
the Company modified their M249’s to the Para SAW. Utilizing a kit from
the manufacturer (Fabrique Nationale), the standard barrel is replaced
with a 13.5" barrel, the fixed stock with a collapsible stock.
The length of the gun with the stock collapsed is 28.98", and extended
35.16". It weighs 15.62 pounds.

The feed cover has a MilStd
1913 rail attached, and the forend is replaced with a Knight’s RAS.
This accepts the vertical fore grip from the M4A1 SOPMOD kit as well
as all other kit components. It also has a mount for the ANIPEQ-2 Infra
red laser illuminator and aiming device.

The Para SAW has several
optical sights available for use. These include the ACOG day optic,
the M68 red dot sight, the large Elcan telescope, or the AN/PVS-17 night
sight The M249 (para) can now be jumped, assembled, and attached to
the jumper’s body.

The para modification makes
for a significantly handier and more efficient unit, with no drawbacks.
1st Force is currently the only unit in the Marine Corps with this modified
SAW.

One Para SAW is carried per
Recon Team. In the headquarters Team, the Corpsman will normally carry
the SAW ("The best form of combat medicine is fire superiority").

There are 18 M249 (para)
SAW’s in the Company.

Machine Gun, 7.62xSlmm M240G

The
M240G is a variation of the Belgian MAG GPMG. In production since 1958,and in service with at least 80 countries, it is a gas operated
belt fed machine gun, whose cyclic rate is approximately 750 rpm.

The Marine Corps originally
fielded the M240/ M240E1 as coaxial or pintle mounted machine guns for
tanks or light armored vehicles (LAV’s).

The Marine Corps was extremely
dissatisfied with the M60 series guns, and Desert Shield/Storm provided
the catalyst for change. The Marine Corps received a large number of
M240’s from Army, and then acquired Infantry Modification Kits to convert
them to the GPMG configuration.

The 240Golf has a feed cover
modified with a MilStd 1913 rail. The Elcan telescope is normally mounted,
though the AN/PVS-17 can be for night use. It is 47.5" long,
and though slightly heavier than the M60 (at 24.2 pounds), it is significantly
more reliable then the M60.

The 240Golf is normally mounted
on the platoon’s Improved Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV).

There are 14 M240G GPMG’s
in the Company.

Grenade Launcher, 40MM M79
(NSN1010-00-1382)

The
M79 still exists. Introduced into the system in 1961, the old Bloop
Tube is a single shot, break open 40 mm grenade launcher. It is 30"
long and weighs about 6 pounds, and has a folding leaf type sight. Max
effective range for point targets is lSOm, and for area targets about
350m.

The M79 is easier to shoot
then the M203QD attached to the M4A1, but of course the drawback is
having to carry a second gun. Consequently the Blooper is used only
for special missions.

There are 19 M79’s in the
Company.

Sub Machine Gun, 9xl9mm MP5N
(NSN 1005-01-360-7146)

The MP5N smg was replaced
by the M4A1 Carbine in 1998. Formerly used by the Company for their
Direct Action (DA) missions, it was incapable of efficiently delivering
fire past 50 yards (efficiency here being terminal ballistics). Coupled
with significant maintenance and support issues, the MP5 was not a good
choice for Marine Corps operations.

The MP5 was once touted to
be the "ultimate CQB weapon" because at the time it was introduced
it was "known" that the 556x45mm round would over-penetrate
in that environment. Hindsight is 20/20, and the fact of the
matter is that the 9x 19mm round has some serious issues that render
it less then useful for CQB.9 The hard cold fact of
life is that the MP5 is a sub caliber weapon. It fires a pistol cartridge,
and no pistol cartridge is a reliable fight stopper.

The MP5N weighs 7.5 pounds,
is 26" long with the stock extended, and 19" long with it
retracted. It is fed from a 30 round magazine, and has a cyclic rate
of 800 rpm.

The Company still has a few
(15) MP5N’s in the inventory, primarily for the Personal Security Detail
(PSD) missions.

Rifle, Sniper 7.62x51mm M40A1
(NSN 1005-01-035-1674)

The
M40A1 Sniper Rifle has been the standard since 1976 (though the Unertl
Marine telescope did not appear until 1980).

The M40A1 is 44 inches long,
and weighs approximately 15 pounds. It is bedded in a McMillan General
Purpose Hunting (HTMG) stock. The barrel (by various makers over the
years) is 6 groove, 1/12 twist, and 24" long. The Remington aluminum
trigger guard is replaced with a modified Winchester M70 steel unit.

The optic/rings/mount interface
has always been something that caused pain and discontent. The PWS uses
an Unertl base with integral rings. A lug on the base is mated to the
receiver clip slot, making for a rigid mount. Sufficient when it was
designed, this mount cannot accept the new generation of night vision
optics (The older ANIPVS-9 is an add on NVD, attaching to the top of
the Unertl. Its usefulness has passed since the introduction of the
ANIPVS- 10 day! night optic for the7.62x5 1mm weapons,
and the ANIPVS-l2.2 for the M82A3).

The
M40A1 is reaching the end of it’s service life, and a replacement is
now in the prototype stage. The Marine Corps is preparing to field a
new and very capable sniper rifle, the M40A3. Like its predecessor,
the A3 will be built by the wizards at the Precision Weapons Shop in
Quantico. One big change is the way that optics will be mounted. Gone
forever are the Unertl mount/rings, it being replaced with a MilStdl9l3
rail (the rock solid rings and rail, as well as the trigger guard are
by D.D. Ross).

The Marine Corps has a long
and happy relationship with the McMillan family of rifle stocks and
the A3 will have a McMillan A4 stock.

The M40A1 is arguably the
best sniper rifle used by the military, but is at the end of its service
life. The M40A3 will be a welcome replacement.

M82A3
SASR is a semi-automatic, air-cooled, magazine fed rifle. The M82A3
weighs 37.5 pounds with ammo, optics and carry handle and is 56.6"
long. It is fed from a 10 round magazine, and is equipped with an Unertl
Marine Sniper Scope, modified with the .50 caliber ballistic cam.

The M82A3 differs from the
A2 in that it has a lighter barrel and bolt, and a greatly improved
muzzle break. The MilStd 1913 rail is all steel, 19" long, and
bolted to the receiver.

The bipod is improved, and
has spiked feet to provide added stability when firing. The A3 has a
rail grabber carry handle.

The Precision Weapons Shop
is developing a rail grabber rear sight. As of now, there is no back
up iron sight.

The
AN/PVS-12.2 Day/Night Sniper Sight is an option for this rifle. Similar
in appearance to the PVS-10 (the 7.62x51mm version), the PVS-12.2 has
16X magnification, a Gen 3 image tube, and a 3" of eye relief.
It weighs 5.5 pounds.

Windage adjustment is ˝ MOA
per click, while elevation is 1 MOA per click. The reticle is standard
Mil-Dot.

The PVS-12.2 is powered by 2 "AA" batteries.

Ammunition is the Norwegian
Raufoss ( the DODIC is A606).

The rifle comes packed in
a Pelican Case (which is watertight and airtight, and has a pressure
relief valve. These are great cases. I use a version of this as my suitcase.
It is the only way I have found to prevent the airline folks from entering
and damaging my personal effects). The kit also contains one spare 10
round magazine and assorted cleaning equipment.

The
SASR is designed to provide snipers with a long range anti-material
weapon. Maximum effective range against material type targets is 1800
meters.

While the primary use of
this weapon is to defeat material type targets (such as aircraft, vehicles10,
radar etc.), it may also be used against personnel if necessary. The
old wives tale concerning the prohibition of this has been passed down
for generations by well meaning but ill informed people. The M82A3 may
represent a degree of overkill, but I can verify that the 12.7X99mm
round is absolutely devastating when used against a human target.

There are 5 SASR’s
in the Company.

Optical Sights

Optical sights are provided
for all of the shoulder fired weapons in the Company, with the exception
of the breaching shotguns. There are some who believe that optical sights
are too fragile for military use, and that battery powered optics are
an invitation to failure. That optical sights may be more fragile then
iron sights is correct. The question is, how much more fragile? And,
remembering that there is no free lunch; does the fear of failure outweigh
the more rapid target acquisition and engagement that occurs with optical
sights?

With optical sights, the
degree of certainty with which first round hits can be attained is drastically
improved. Acquiring the target, the first and possibly the most difficult
part of the engagement process is made significantly easier. This is
true in CQB, Close Range Engagement, and engagement out to the effective
range of the weapon.

As for batteryphobia (new
word — I just made it up). Well, the battery in the Aimpoint ® sight
is good for 250 hours at the full power setting — perhaps 3 times as
long at low power.

Now, consider that you have
batteries in your car, helo or fixed wing platform. Batteries in your
radio. Batteries in your wrist watch. Batteries in your laser rangefinder
or Ground Commanders Pointer. Batteries in your flashlight. You know,
we’ve managed to get along for quite a while with old technology batteries
operating less sophisticated equipment. Do they ever run out? Sure,
that’s why we bring spares. Does the

There are no absolutes in
this world. If your paranoia overrides your willingness to get quicker
first round hits at all distances in diminished or bright light, have
at it. The line for the Flat Earth Society starts on the left.

Uniforms

For green side missions,
the standard camouflage utility uniform is worn. Rank and name tapes/Branch
of Service tapes are usually not attached. While it drives many outside
of the reconnaissance community crazy, the utilities are often modified
with pockets on each sleeve. This is a practical modification, and extremely
useful to those who have to hump in the bush.

Boots are typically jungle
boots. The new (and heavier) Gore-Tex boots are sometimes used, but
the ludicrously overpriced Adidas boots almost never are.

Some experimental brown boots
fielded by NATICK from several makers are being evaluated by the Company.
It is nice to see that someone is thinking out of the box, and we may
be getting away from target indicator black.

Finally, a bush cover tops
it all off. Some operators cut the brim down to 2" or so, while
others stay with the wide brim. The cover is safety pinned by the chin
strap to the utility jacket.

The Marine Corps is moving
along with plans to introduce a new Marine Corps unique utility uniform.
Two cammie patterns are being considered, one being Tiger Stripes and
the other a very effective computer generated pattern (that is similar
to an old German style) called the Marine Pattern. They solicited input
from the troops as to what the users would like to see, and pockets
on the sleeves were one of the big items favored.

Now, if only we can convince
them to go back to an all cotton rip stop uniform and away from rear
area pretty poly-cotton blended uniforms so much favored by the SMPO."
(Cotton is cooler and dries faster. The blends however look "sharper"
for those who spend all of their time in the office).

For black side missions,
the standard uniform is the Nomex Assault Suit or the CWU-27/P Nomex
Flight Suit. The Assault Suit is configured more to the operator than
aircrew, and pockets and so forth are more readily accessible.. Explosive
breaching is a big part of CQB, and the Nomex uniform (supplemented
with GSIFRP-2 flight gloves and a balaclava) is a safety issue.

Eye protection is generally
Oakley of some type, supplemented with goggles from Bolle, Oakley and
Gen-Tex. Eventually, some manufacturer will come up with the perfect
goggle, but it does not yet exist.

For "green side"
missions, each Marine normally carries an M4A1 Carbine. The carbines
carried by the Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader will usually have
an M2O3QD attached.

One Marine in each team will
carry the M249 (para) Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). In the Headquarters
Team, the Corpsman will normally carry the SAW.

Standard load for each Marine
is thirteen (13) 30 round mags for the M4A1, and three (3) 200 round
maga

zines for the M249 (para).

As noted, remaining undiscovered
is the team’s primary method of survival. Carrying more batteries is
preferred over carrying more ammo.

For DA missions, each Marine
carries an M4A1 Carbine and a MEU (SOC) pistol. Each Marine will also
carry some other type of mission essential equipment such as a breaching
shotgun, Halligan tool, torch, breaching charge and so forth.

Standard load for the DA
mission is seven (7) mags for the M4A 1, and seven (7) for the MEU (SOC)
pistol.

Knives

There is no "official
Force Recon Knife" (or watch or booties or anything else for that
matter — don’t bother searching out the wanna’ be catalogs, there won’t
be any in there).

The standard issue knife
is the MK 2 "Ka-Bar", though it is now a contract knife made
by Ontario and others. Having been in the system since 1943, it is a
sturdy and inexpensive knife, 12" overall, with a 7" blade.
It is exactly the same knife that is issued to every Marine not armed
with a rifle.

The issue dive knife is the
Ontario made Mk3 Mod 0, with the attached MK13 MOD 0, Signal, Smoke
and Illumination, Marine. The stainless blade is 6", and overall
length is 11".

Knives are an emotional issue
for most people, but in the Company the knife is a tool, just as a Leatherman,
IFAV, or MC5 Free Fall Parachute are tools. Many of the operators have
spent their hard earned dollars to purchase tools that may one day be
the difference between surviving or dying. It is therefore not unusual
to see Gerber’s, SOG’s, Randall’s, Mission MPK and other privately purchased
knives on the trouser belts of these operators.

One extremely good knife
maker is located close by Camp Pendelton. Strider Knives is run by former
military guys who know what is needed and more importantly, know how
to do it. While their knives are made one at a time, you will find no
flash, no fantasy items, just solid, strong and very useful tools.

I have one of their SA model
knives. A small knife, with a blade of 2.75" and an overall
length of 7.25", this knife is attached to the leg shroud
of my 6004 holster. It is a strong knife, and very handy for those million
and one things that you need a knife for. It is the best knife that
I have ever owned.

Strider Knives has a strong
connection to the military community. If you are active duty enlisted,
they will knock 20% off the cost of the knife.

Perhaps a better indicator
of their integrity is this. Each year the Company has recognized a Team
Leader who has performed far and above what is usual — not an easy feat
in a testosterone-laden world of hairy chested steel-bellied commandos.
With the loss of five of our brothers, it was decided that this honor
would be expanded to include an Assistant Team Leader, Radio Operator,
Scout and Corpsmen of the year.

For 1999, the awards went
to SSgt Vincent Sabasteanski, SSgt David Galloway, SSgt Jeffery Starling,
Cpl Mark Baca, and HMI Jay Asis. They were honored not because they
were killed, but rather for what they accomplished in the Company.

Strider Knives asked if they
could donate a knife to each of the families, a very generous offer
that was readily accepted. In July, each family received an engraved
BG knife, mounted in a beautiful presentation case.

Mick Strider and Duane Dwyer
wanted no public acknowledgement of this. In fact, they threatened me
with severe bodily harm if I ever said anything about this in print.

The Marines in the Company
believe otherwise. GySgt Terry Wyrick and others made the point that
what Strider Knives wanted had nothing to do with what would eventually
occut They wanted others to know of their thoughtfulness and generosity.

So Duane, Mick, here it is.
They are a lot tougher than you guys are.

Thank You!

Full Spectrum Battle Equipment
(FSBE)

Until
April of 2000, the standard black side Load Bearing Vest (LBV)/body
armor was the Close Quarter Battle Equipment Assault Vest made by Point
Blank. This vest was considered by some to be state of the art when
adopted circa 1996, but it was heavy (14 pounds without the ceramic
plates, and 28 pounds with) and bulky. Additionally, the carrier, LBV
and accessory pockets were made of pack cloth instead of the more durable
cordura.

The modular load bearing
vest was poorly designed. The stock pad was actually positioned down
around the shooters pecs — way too low for practical use. The pouches
(and the carrier) tore easily, especially the pockets where the ceramic
plates were held. Many vests had copious quantities of that old stand
by, riggers tape, vainly trying to hold the mess together. The ceramic
plates were fragile, in a very non-fragile environment, and eventually
many lost all structural integrity.

The magazine pockets, originally
designed for MPS mags, did not hold the M4 mags well. It was a two man
endeavor to don, and took a long time to remove.

Some operators choose to
privately purchase LBV’s made by Eagle and others in lieu of the deficient
CQBE LBV.

In 1996, the CQCE was noted
in a Fleet Operational Needs Statement (FONS), citing its deficiencies
in the amphibious environment and overall inefficiency for use in general.

In short, the Assault Vest
was a disaster, and a replacement was desperately needed. Requests were
made for a replacement vest, (another EONS was submitted in mid 1999)
but the priority was low. Several people in Marine Corps Systems Command,
Natick, and others started work on a system that would replace the CQBE.

On 09Dec99 a CH46E carrying
5th platoon crashed into the Pacific while conducting VBSS off
San Diego. Seven were killed, including five from 5th Platoon. Only
one of the surviving Marines was able to remove his equipment while
trapped in the sinking helo. All of the other survivors swam to the
surface with their equipment on — a mighty feat that others of less
physical and mental strength might not have been able to do.

The priority to replace the
outdated CQCE then became an Urgent Requirement. Fortunately, a very
astute Program Officer (and Ranger) Jon Laplume, from the Soldier System
Center at Natick, MA, carried the ball. Within 110 days, he (along with
1st Sgt Clark, 2nd Force, GySgt Elder, 5th Force, SSgt Daley,
1St Force, and Capt. Hoffman and others from MARCORSYSCOM) developed
a vest, had it produced, and trained and equipped all user units with
the Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE) system.

This can be rightly construed
as being a miracle in the acquisition process.

The protective vest (known
as the Amphibious Assault Vest and made by Point Blank) is designed
to be used with the Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI). (The SAPI protects
against 3 rounds of 7.62X51 M80 ball at the muzzle.) The AAV
weighs approximately 6.5 pounds in size medium, and the SAPI
an additional 3.5 pounds each, making the FSBE about 1/2 the
weight of the old CQCE. The vest is comfortable and allows greater mobility
for the operator.

It is designed to accept
load bearing devices on top of it (that is, the Ranger Assault Carrying
Kit, or RACK — but this is not likely as it would negate the single
point release), or mission related pouches attached directly to it.

What makes the FSBE unique
is that it is neutrally buoyant, something that should have been mandatory
long ago for those involved in amphibious operations.

With input from GySgt Dennis
Walsh in the Company Paraloft, the design was modified to include a
single point release system, similar to the very familiar cut away system
for all of you free fallers.

Included in the FSBE Kit
is the SRU-40 HABD (Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Device). This 1.5
cu. ft. cylinder
will provide approximately 1-2 minutes of air. (An initiative by the
Company has identified a larger volume bottle with a longer hose. This
item is being reviewed now). Adding another layer of protection is the
LPU-34/P Recon Version Type 2 flotation collar, providing 68-72 pounds
of positive buoyancy.

Natick Equipment Specialist
Rick Elder (and another sharp Ranger), provided a helmet from a Special
Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirement (SPEAR), the
MICH (Modular Integrated Communication Helmet). This helmet has 11%
less area coverage (meaning that you have improved sensory awareness,
which includes an unobstructed field of view and ambient hearing capabilities).
It is 1.2 pounds lighter then the PASGT helmet, and offers greatly improved
ballistic protection.

As its name implies, it come
with enhanced hearing protection that is compatible with the comm systems
used by the Company (specifically the new MBITR). The helmet is comfortable,
due to a top shelf pad system. (SSgt Archer claims that wearing this
helmet is "Like having sex with your head"). The reason for
this comfort is the vastly improved four point suspension system. For
those of you who use the helmet mounted AN/PVS-14, you understand completely
the term "cranial headache" that occurs when it is attached
to the PASOT helmet. The MICH makes this much less an issue.

And, it floats.

There is no free lunch. Plates
that provide protection against higher threat levels are available,
but they weigh more. The added weight means less buoyancy. There is
a compromise at work here, but the issue to remember is that this system
is a quantum leap over the CQCE, and it is available now.

For green side missions,
the Operators do not wear a protective vest. The LBV’s vary from the
standard Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest, H-harness suspenders
with war belt, or privately purchased LBV’s. The helmet is replaced
with the time honored and more practical bush cover.

The large ALICE pack is the
standard ruck in the Company. Large, and capable of carrying the mission
essential gear, it is also uncomfortable. Many of the operators have
modified their rucks with aftermarket shoulder straps and padding, and
additional pockets.

To fill the space between
nothing and everything, the Company purchased the excellent Eagle 3
Day Airborne Pack for all members. This pack has about 3120 cu. in.
available. (Previously several had made private purchases of a similar
appearing pack, but the low quality of off shore manufacturing became
readily apparent.) Like all else that John Carver makes, this pack is
well designed, comfortable, and virtually indestructible.

Motor Vehicles

The platoon takes several
vehicles with them on deployment. The ubiquitous M998 HMMWV, better
known as the Hummer, is brought as a logistics support vehicle, but
for reconnaissance they use the Improved Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV).

Previously the Company operated
a fleet of Chenowth Fast Attack Vehicles (FAV). A modification of a
cross country racing vehicle, the 2 wheel drive FAV had a number of
issues going against it. Chief among these was that it possessed a gasoline
powered engine (the flammability of gasoline created some difficulty
for shipboard transportation) and it was a maintenance nightmare.

Though fun to drive, it lacked
payload, capacity and power, and it will not be missed.

In 2000, the Marine Corps
adopted the IFAV; a 4x4 diesel engined Mercedes Benz commercially known
as the 290 GDT. This is a proven commercial and military success, and
is in service with a number of countries.

The IFAV is quieter and much
more comfortable to ride in, and this equals increased human efficiency
over a longer period of time.

The word "Attack"
is probably a misnomer. In truth it is a mobility platform and not a
fighting vehicle. What holds for Reconnaissance Teams on foot is true
for wheeled Reconnaissance Teams if they are discovered, the rules have
changed. The weapons the IFAV carry are for defensive purpose only —
to assist in breaking contact. The IFAV is an alternative to walking.

The vehicle is crewed by
three, and can mount a Caliber .50, HBM2, a Mkl9 40mm
grenade launcher, or a 7 .62x51mm M240G.

Combat Rubber Reconnaissance
Craft (CCRC)

The CCRC is a small inflatable
rubber boat used for raid, reconnaissance and riverine missions. It
is 15.4’ long, 6.2 wide, and 2.5’high. It weighs 265pounds,
and is powered by a 55HP OMC’ engine — that will be replaced
with redesigned 55hp OMC Pump Jet engine. This is designed by
the same folks who

do propulsion systems for
submarines.

For submarine operations
where stowage is a problem, there is a prop driven OMC 35Hp.

The CCRC can carry up to
6 men.

Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat

The RHIB is an 8 meter boat
powered by a 300 HP Volvo diesel engine, turning counter rotating props
and capable of moving it at 25knots. It is equipped with radar,
VHF, UHF, HF and SATCOM radios.

The Company acquired four
RHIBs from Naval Special Warfare Group, who replaced them with a larger
and more capable RHIB. 1St Force uses them to support local operations
only — they are not deployable.

Underwater Breathing Apparatus
(UBA)

The
primary Underwater Breathing Apparatus is the MK 25Mod 2 Draegar
LAR V. This Norwegian made unit is 24" long, 18" wide, 10"
high, and weighs 27 pounds. It will provide approximately 240 minutes
of oxygen, situationally dependent on many factors.

Being a closed circuit system,
the Draegar prevents any exhaust bubbles from surfacing, making it more
difficult for an enemy to visually acquire the team. It is designed
for combat diver operations.

The Company does have open
circuit diving equipment, but it is used to administratively support
the closed circuit operations.

Parachute Ops

MC-5 Static Line/Free — Fall
Ram Air Parachute System

The
MC-5 Parachute is a Marine Corps unique system, and can be configured
for static line or Military Free Fall (MFF) depending on mission requirements.
Both the main and reserve parachute are identical 7-cell, 370 sq.ft.
canopies made of F-111 ripstop nylon in a light blue/ gray color.

MC-1C Low Level Static Line
Parachute

The LLS/L canopy is the MC-1C
is a 35’ parabolic canopy, a modified T-10 parachute, variations
of which have been around for several decades. Now made out of Type
1 low Porosity ripstop, it has a rate of descent of approximately 14-18
fps. The-1C has a TU modification in order to give it some steering
capability. It is worn in conjunction with the T- 10 reserve, a 24’
flat circular canopy.

GenTex HGU-55/P HALO Helmet

The HGU-55/P is the standard
parachutist helmet. Lightweight, it utilizes either a snap down visor
or goggles to’ protect the jumper’s eyes during free fall. The MBU-12P
pressure demand oxygen mask is attached to the helmet for high altitude
operations. The helmet has a communication system added so that team
members can talk with each other while under the canopy.

Parachutist Individual Equipment
Kit (PIEK)

This provides protection
for the jumper from the environment. It includes a Gore-Tex jumpsuit,
jumpsuit liner, gloves, altimeter, overboots and other related equipment.

Jumpers Kit Bag

The JKB is another Eagle
Industries designed and produced item that enhances parachutist safety.
It is a large bag that holds the operator’s rucksack, load bearing vest
and other assorted equipment. Thus enclosed, it prevents it prevents
any loose items with interfering with the stable body position or the
parachute deployment sequence. It has several quick access pockets for
mission specific gear.

In order to successfully
complete its mission and considering the dynamics in the deep battle,
a Reconnaissance Team has to be able to observe and report on enemy
activity in real or near real time. Because of the nature of this business
and the distances involved, the Company has a sophisticated communications
suite.

AN/PRC- 148 MBITR

The
newest radio coming into the system is the Racal Multiband Inter/Intra
Team Radio (MBITR). This small (8.4" L x 2.6" W x 1.5"D) hand held individual tactical radio is AMJ FM voice or data,
VHF or UHF (continuous coverage from 30-512 MHz) and is waterproof to
66’. The radio has imbedded crypto capability and because of the beacon
is also a Personal Survival radio. When coupled with the AN/PSN-11 GPS,
allows digital transmission of the operators location when the radio
is keyed.

This radio is only slightly
larger then a Sabre, and not that much more expensive. The MBITR is
compatible with the MICH helmet, and can talk to most of the other radios
in the community.

The pouch issued with the
MBITR did not meet the requirements of the Company. The Comm Section
contacted Eagle Industries, and with their input John Carver once more
came to the rescue with a radio pouch that does.

This is a very capable radio,
and one will be issued to each operator.

AN/PRC117F

The multi band 117 operates
near simultaneously in VHF AM and FM, UHF AM, and UHF DAMA SATCOM. (Demand
Assigned Multiple Access —this allows several hundred users to share
one narrowband SATCOM channel based on need or demand). It is voice/
data and has embedded crypto, SATCOM and ECCM capabilities.

This is a backpack radio,
but has a removable keypad so that the RTO can control the radio’s parameters
while it is on his back. The radio weighs 15.9 pounds with batteries
and is 3.2" H x 10.5’W x 13.5" D. There is a GPS interface
capability embedded. When the operator keys the handset, it will give
his location and station ID.

There will usually be one
117 Foxtrot per Recon Team.

AN/PRC 138 (V2 ICOM)

High Frequency radios are
receiving renewed interest. Once considered unreliable, new technology
has made them feasible.

While SATCOM is usually a
first choice for long range comm, heavy demand by higher echelons and
limited channel availability may mean that a reconnaissance team can
not make contact with another station. VHF is primarily Line of Sight
(LOS) and therefore limited in range. High power VHF uses a lot of power,
generates an enormous EM signature, and can be easily found even with
frequency hopping. Additionally, VHF doesn’t support doctrine. The Force
Reconnaissance Teams are used in the

deep battle, well outside
of VHF range. Dedicated airborne/ground relay platforms may not be available
to pass on VHF shots, so HF is the only viable means of communication.

The 138 is the primary HF
radio in the Company. It is a lightweight (8.9 pounds without batteries)
backpack radio that provides HF/SSB and VHF-FM, has ALE (Automatic Link
Establishment) and LQA (Link Quality Analysis — they analyze and select
the best frequency for HF transmissions), is voice, data, digital voice
and encryption.

One PRC-138 is carried per
team.

The mix of radios provides
the team with multi band/full spectrum capability.

The improvements in technology
for both radios and batteries have an immediate benefit for the operators.
The radios are more capable, and all have embedded crypto. This means
that they no longer have to carry a separate KY57/ KY99 with
their batteries, and the new radios require fewer batteries that give
longer life. The result is that for a deep reconnaissance mission, the
weight savings in batteries and equipment may total 80 pounds.

KOWA TSN-822

The
standard Marine Corps Observation Telescope is the M49. Weighing 2.75pounds, and 13.5" long, this 20X telescope has been around
for decades. The Company was not satisfied with the optical resolution,
and needed something that could interface with the various imagery assets
available.

The Company tested, then
acquired a number of Kowa TSN-822 telescopes. Purchased with a 20X-60X
zoom eyepiece, a photo attachment adopter, a camera mount and a protective
cordura cover, this package costs only $255.00 more than the M49.

Though slightly heavier (at
3.25 pounds) and longer (17"), the Kowa offers a significant improvement
over the elderly M49. It has the ability to interface with the AN/PVS-17,
and will interface with various cameras and the Man Pack Secondary Imagery
Dissemination System (MPSIDS).

MPSIDS

The MPSIDS consists of a
base station (a laptop, printer and assorted cables) and 3 outstations
(Palmtop 586 computer, digital camera, lenses, cables etc.). It can
be interfaced with most radio systems.

The team can shoot pictures
of something of interest, send it back to the Reconnaissance Operations
Center via tactical satellite radio or HF, and print out hard copies
in near real time. Images can be annotated in the field, decreasing
the chance of misinterpretation of conventional reporting.

This is not a new system,
but it is new to the Marine Corps.

Nightstar

The new night vision binocular
is the Nightstar from DRS Technologies. This 3.5pound,
3X bino has a Gen 3 filmless, gateless image intensifier with a laser
rangefinder, laser pointer, electric flux gate compass, an electric
inclinometer and RS 232 interface.

The laser ranging is from
20-2000 meters. The laser pointer is also viable out to 2000 meters.
The RS 232 Interface can transfer data to GPS and SINGARS radio. Its
target bank can hold up to 10 targets. It operates on six "AA"
batteries that are good for 36 hours of continuous operation, including
200 measurements.

The follow on, due out in
early 2001, GEN 4 Omni 5 will have a 7X extender. When the operator
ranges out on a target, it will also give the GPS location of the target,
store it, and via the RS232 interface uplink it to another user. This
means that targeting information can be transmitted to the appropriate
agency for force fires.

M2120 SOPHIE Long Range Thermal
Imager

This is another new tool
for the Company. The SOPHIE is a lightweight (5.3 pounds) advanced second
generation thermal camera. The detector resolution and high definition
liquid crystal display allow images to match day-time television. The
detector is cooled to operating temperature in about 5 minutes.

This is a very capable unit.
We were able to acquire a large radio transmission tower at night at
7km, with enough clarity to sketch it.

AN/PEQ-1A SOFLAM (Special
Operations Forces Laser Marker)

The
SOFLAM is a lightweight, day/ night compact, man portable laser target
designator and rangefinder. It is capable of designating out to 5kilometers, and ranging out to 10 km. It has a lox optic, and
can mount the ANIPVS- 13 Laser Marker Night Vision Sight.

The unit itself weighs 12
pounds. With batteries, tripod and ANIPVS- 13 it is about 34 pounds.

The PVS-13 is a companion,
image intensified night sight for the SOFLAM. Using it assures that
the designator is operating and pointing exactly at the target. It has
6X magnification, weighs 4.2 pounds, and operates for 40 hours on 2
"AA" batteries.

The SOFLAM is an interim
item, purchased in limited numbers to replace the AN/PAQ-3 MULE (Modular
Universal Laser Equipment). The MULE itself was a quick acquisition
to place a laser designator in the hands of the troops right then (1983-88).
Although advertised as two-man portable, the system weighed 108 pounds
making it difficult to move.

The Company initially used
an LPL30 Laser Target Designator for hand held use. It was replaced
by the more capable Commanders Ground Pointer and the AN/PEQ-4 Handheld
Laser Designator/ Illuminator.

Powered by 2 "AA"
batteries, the PEQ-4 can designate out to 6.2 nautical miles.

GPS

The standard GPS is the AN/PSN-
11 Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR). Introduced in the early
90’s, the plugger has selective availability! anti spoofing and anti
jam capability. It is a 5channel receiver, and is capable of
Precision Code (P) and Y Code (encrypted P Code) reception. Though very
capable, the plugger is relatively large and heavy (2.75 pounds)
and is scheduled to be replaced with the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver
(DAGR).

In the interim there are
not as many pluggers available as required. The Company therefore has
provided each operator in the Company with a Garmin Model 12 commercial
GPS to supplement the plugger. With GPS Control recently setting the
Selective Availability error to zero, commercial receivers are now as
precise as military receivers. However, DoD retains the ability to selectively
deny GPS signals on a regional basis. This means that commercial receivers
regionally may have their signal degraded, and may be subject to spoofing/jamming.

This
is acceptable. Normally one plugger is available per team. The primary
method of navigation is still map and compass, and any GPS is utilized
to supplement rather then supercede that. The plan is that the Garmin
12’s will be operated for two years. At that time a new commercial GPS
will be evaluated and then acquired.

The Garmin GPS is carried
in a pouch made by Eagle Industries. Additionally, SSgt Matt Johnson
of 3rdPlatoon makes a really neat arm pouch (as well as a bunch
of other good tactical equipment) that works well for parachute ops
as well as patrolling.

All of the high tech equipment
listed above is not in the inventory to impress visitors. It gives the
reconnaissance teams the ability to observe from a greater distance.
This increased stand off lessens the chance of compromise, and consequently
improves the survivability of the team. It enables the team to report
the information back in real or near real time and this gives the MEF
Commander the ability to make a more informed decision.

But the equipment alone does
not get the job done. Someone has to insert with it, move undetected
with it, use it properly, send the intel on it without detection, and
extract safely. That is where the training, discipline and passion for
this vocation come into play.

A substantial amount of equipment
used by 1st Force is non-standard and not in use by the rest of the
Marine Corps. The reason for this is simple. The Commanding Officer
has a vision, and that is to ensure that the members are the most qualified,
best trained, and best equipped Marines and sailors available. The Research
and Development system does work, but is occasionally excruciatingly
slow, and is sometimes staffed by well meaning people without the necessary
operational experience. The bureaucratic inertia inherent in any system
can be a matter of life and death for those tasked to operate against
an enemy (a notable exception being the FSBE). While it is important
that sufficient testing be accomplished to determine what works and
what doesn’t, technology often moves along at the cyclic rate, often
rendering tested equipment obsolete before it can be deployed.

Feathers in hallowed halls
get ruffled, but the operators get the best possible equipment now,
and that is what leadership is all about.

The price for admission into
this very exclusive gun club is sweat and blood. But as General George
Patton noted, there is an inverse proportion at work here. The sweat
expended in selection and training will pay off in less blood spilled
in combat. To that end, training must be as realistic as possible and
the training structured and ruthlessly evaluated. It is a never ending
process.

When the CH-46 impacted the
USNS Pecos in December 1999, the 15th MEU lost seven people
— a helicopter Crew Chief from HMM 166, an EOD technician, and five
members from the 5thPlatoon. This was a tragic loss to the immediate
and extended families, especially coming at the beginning of the Holiday
Season.

The families were the of
course the first priority, and while the Navy DSRV went about the task
of recovering bodies from 3900 feet of cold Pacific water, the Company
provided what solace it could.

A memorial service was held
at the Base Theatre. The clergy prayed, VIP’s spoke, and the media filmed.

But the real closure came
after the formal service when an Irish Wake of grand proportions (trust
me on this one- I’ve been to a lot of these and this one was Grand)
was held in the Paraloft. Present and former Reconnaissance Marines
and sailors from Okinawa and Hawaii, Camp Lejeune and numerous post
and stations showed up. Members of the Company who were there at its
birth and those who fought in Viet Nam. Cops from LA, San Diego and
other agencies who had worked and trained with Force over the years.

Traditionally, when a member
leaves the Company a paddle ceremony is held. Everyone gets to say something
about the member who is leaving. At the end, he is presented with a
paddle, suitably engraved, and a certificate of his service with the
Company.

This time the paddles were
given to the families. We paid tribute to those who died doing something
they truly loved. It lasted well into the next morning, but when it
wrapped up, it was over. 5thPlatoon received five volunteers
to backfill their teams, and deployed on schedule.

That former members of the
Company came is not coincidental. The relationship between former and
present members is strong and ongoing. There is a standing invitation
to visit the Company at any time. Formal invitations are extended for
the Company Birthday, and for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

This relationship is more
than social (though it is of course that). It is more of a continuing
legacy of shared misery and success. SgtMaj Kevin Naughton (there should
be a photograph of Kevin Naughton next to the term "Sergeant Major"
in the dictionary) said it best. "These are the days you will always
look back on".

Recently several Team Leaders
from the 65-70era conducted a Professional Military Education
(PME) lecture. They shared with the Marines now in the Company their
experiences in leading reconnaissance patrols against the NVA in northern
I Corps, bringing with them patrol maps, warning orders, and E&E
plans. They conducted a map talk of a selected patrol, and it was apparent
that time had not dimmed the emotions of these warriors.

It is this continuing legacy
that ensures lessons of the past will not be forgotten.

In a society that idolizes
screen actors and considers sports figures to be heroes; who tolerate
lying and malfeasance at the highest level of government; a society
who believes in self esteem over self worth; a society that believes
if the standards are too high they must be lowered in order to bring
in sub standard people, the Force Reconnaissance community is a breath
of fresh and extremely sweet air.

They are not trained to dig
wells or build churches. There is none of the grossly misnamed less
lethal training going on here. They are neither peace-keepers nor hallway
monitors. There is no feminization or gender norming, nor any political
correctness.

There is a palatable sense
of confidence that permeates their very being, and for good reason.
They have a passion for their chosen vocation. If the socialist policy
of comparative worth were to be enforced, the men in the Company would
force the country into bankruptcy.

They are a National Treasure.

Ohh-Rah!

1 The
Black Rifle, Ezell, pg. 360.

2 ibid. pg. 350-352.

3 Tactical Shooter, July 1999.

4 Considering that the Ml6 family has been around for over 4 decades, it
is difficult to understand why this hasn’t been accomplished previously.
It was considered during the M16A2 upgrade, but as the story goes a general
officer felt that there were too many changes already being considered,
and ripped up the last page of the proposal - that page suggesting an
ambidextrous selector and mag catch.

Duane and Mick make the best
knives that I have ever seen or used, bar none. More importantly, they
are real guys, and like others here, friends.

Matt JohnsonJohnsongear@home.com

If you want a piece of excellent
field gear, give Matt a call. Being a full time operator, his designs
are progressive and his work top notch. He knows what is needed because
he lives and works in the environment. He is a one man shop and will
devote all of his energy to make your equipment right.

Giles Stock is a fellow instructor
at Gunsite. He was trumpeting the call to 5.56mm carbines for police
way before it was cool to do so. Like Eagle, his designs are ripped
off by others with disturbing regularity. While they may copy their
designs, they can’t duplicate their quality.

Reed Knight and Dave Lutz
know more about weapons systems than the armed forces of most of the
free world combined. Their fertile minds have brought operators a more
useful and ergonomic tool in the guise of the Modular Weapons System,
and a very accurate SR-25 7.62x51mm rifle.